Generator inlets and changeover switches in the Perth Hills

Why you need an inlet and a changeover switch

A generator inlet is a weatherproof socket on the outside of your home that a portable generator plugs into. A changeover switch sits at your switchboard and makes sure your home is connected to either the mains or the generator, never both at once.

That separation is what makes the setup safe. If a generator and the mains were connected together, the generator could send power back out to the street while crews are working on the lines. A changeover switch prevents that, and it also means you don't have to run extension leads through windows and doors.

Why it's worth doing in the Perth Hills

• Outages in the Hills are often caused by storms and trees across lines, and repairs can take a while.
• In bushfire season, power can be cut for safety reasons.
• Many properties rely on a bore or tank pump for water, which stops when the power does.
• Keeping the fridge and freezer, lights, internet router and phone chargers running protects food and keeps your household comfortable.

What you can run

It depends on the size of your generator and the circuits we connect to the changeover switch. Most people choose the essentials: the fridge and freezer, selected lights, the router, a few power points and sometimes a pump. We'll talk through which circuits suit your home and your generator, and we'll label the switchboard so it's clear what runs when you change over.

Generator safety

• Run generators outdoors, well away from windows, doors and vents, because the exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
• Never run a generator inside a garage, shed or enclosed space.
• Let the generator cool before you refuel it, and store fuel safely.
• Follow the generator maker's instructions, and switch the changeover switch before you start or stop the generator as we show you.

What affects the cost

Every home is different, so the best way to get a price is to send us a photo of your switchboard and tell us the size of your generator. What affects the cost:

• The rating of the inlet and the changeover switch, matched to your generator.
• How many circuits you want to keep running.
• The condition and layout of your existing switchboard, and whether it has room.
• How far the inlet needs to be from the switchboard.
• Whether any other upgrades are needed to make the installation compliant.

Related services

• Switchboard upgrades
• Faults & maintenance